In 2006, newly elected Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-West Manchester Township, first ran into then-U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter at the Pennsylvania Society Weekend in New York City.

Both were eating in the same restaurant.

"He said something about my well-fought victory," DePasquale recalled. "I remember thinking I was surprised he had any clue who I was."

But that depth of knowledge was the hallmark of man local legislators remembered on Sunday as someone often able to compromise, and always willing to listen.

DePasquale said he met with Specter a handful of times. During those meetings, one thing stood out.

"He was always very detail-oriented on what we were there about," DePasquale said. "If it was an issue, he knew it in and out. He was always moving, always doing something.

"People obviously had different points of views with him in politics, but no one ever questioned his work ethic to the people of Pennsylvania," DePasquale said.

Others added their voices on Sunday, remembering the longtime former senator from Pennsylvania:

* Michael Johnson, chairman of the York County Democratic Party from 2006-2010, said he was "shocked and sorry" to hear of Specter's death.

"He was an individual who represented the best in American politics, working in a bipartisan way to accomplish many great things for his state and nation," Johnson said.

"He had an intellect," Johnson added. "That guy was a very, very bright man in lots and lots of ways."

* Bob Wilson, York County Republican chairman, said he met Specter on several occasions. All of Pennsylvania should feel the loss of a statesman with decades of experience and political savvy, he said.

"Regardless of the side of the fence he was on, he was an advocate for Pennsylvania," Wilson said. "We didn't always see eye to eye on every issue, but he would always lend an ear."

* Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released a statement on Specter's passing.

"The Republican Party of Pennsylvania extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family members of former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter," the statement said. "Senator Specter will always be remembered for his many years of dedicated public service."

"Senator Arlen Specter was a true Pennsylvania institution whose record of fighting for our Commonwealth is unmatched. Senator Specter's contributions to Pennsylvania and the United States will leave a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Specter's family during this difficult time."

* U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, who holds Specter's former seat, also expressed his condolences.

"A man of sharp intelligence and dogged determination, Sen. Specter dedicated his life to public service and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His impact on our state and public policy will not be forgotten. My wife Kris and I send our thoughts and prayers to Joan and the entire Specter family."

* Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Rep. Sam Smith, R-Punxsutawney, also released a statement, which reads in part as follows.

"Arlen Specter was always a fighter who loved the battle over public policy. He loved Pennsylvania, and he loved public service. He was a strong advocate for the state's interests while in Washington, and the Commonwealth lost one of its most dedicated public servants today."

* York County Commissioner Doug Hoke said he followed Specter's career and respected him first as a Republican then as a Democrat, because Specter stood up for what he believed in.

Specter crossed party lines to get things done, he said, and wasn't afraid to compromise.

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